You're simply the best, buyers told

Procurement professionals at the CIPS SM Awards were told they were “simply the best”.

Malcolm Harrison, group CEO, CIPS, told revellers at the Grosvenor House Hotel that they were making a real difference to society with the work they did.

“These are exciting times for procurement and supply,” he told the packed Great Room, emphasising the importance of ethical integrity.

“You are having a real impact on your organisations. You are making a real difference for customers, citizens, colleagues and shareholders – simply the best.”

Comedian and actor Marcus Brigstocke, who compered the evening, was blunt in his assessment of the seating plan.

“If you’re seated at the back you clearly haven’t won. Get pissed and start nicking cutlery,” he joked.

Brigstocke said his understanding of procurement was based on the character Ellis Boyd Redding in the film The Shawshank Redemption. “You are like Red from the Shawshank Redemption: people who know how to get stuff,” he said.

During an assessment of Europe’s economy Brigstocke was pessimistic about Greece’s future. “You can’t build an expert economy on yoghurt and hope.”

The comic also admitted to being dyslexic and the consequences for a toga party. “I was once invited to a party while dressed as a goat – there’s nothing wrong with being dyslexic.”

Partygoers enjoyed a four-course meal before being enticed onto the dance floor by a live band.

Julia Brown, head judge and CPO at cruise company Carnival Corporation & Plc, told the room: “Your entries were judged by the best of the profession. The submissions were fascinating, innovative and some were inspirational.”